Every year, bowling attracts numerous new players. Many become interested in the sport for various reasons. For one, bowling is a fun way to exercise. It's also one of those games that people of practically all ages can play. A lot of players get into the game as a means of socialisation. It's also a fairly easy game to get into and doesn't require a substantial investment.
In fact, when you're starting out and getting a feel for the game, it's advisable to hold off from investing in gear and simply use the ones being rented out in the bowling alley.
As you progress in the sport and develop your playing style, then you can begin investing in some bowling equipment. Here's a brief glimpse of the gear you may want to invest in as a beginner in the sport.
Bowling ball
If you're just starting out with the game, you can start out with a beginner bowler's ball, which is typically made out of plastic. As you progress and master the basics, you can upgrade to bowling balls which deliver more power.
In selecting a bowling ball, there are a few important factors to consider. First, the weight. A good bowling ball should be heavy to minimise lift, but light enough for the player to handle. Male players should choose balls ranging between 14 to 16 pounds while women should opt for balls with weights ranging between 10 to 14 pounds.
The next factor to consider is the size of the holes on the bowling balls. Ideally, the holes should properly fit the player's fingers. If you're finding it difficult to find a bowling ball with holes that fit your fingers well, you can have your bowling ball customised for your fingers.
The outer covering of the bowling ball (cover stock) is typically made out of polyester, reactive resin, urethane or particle. When deciding which material to choose, you need to factor in your playing style.
Bag for your bowling ball
Once you have chosen the right bowling ball for your style of play, the next item that you need to invest in is a suitable bowling ball bag. Here, you may want to invest in something simple yet sturdy with ample room to accommodate one or two bowling balls, bowling shoes and your other gear.
Bowling shoes
If you're considering becoming a serious bowler, one item that you need to invest in is a good pair of bowling shoes. When shopping for a pair of bowling shoes, make sure that the shoes fit well, are comfortable to wear, and allow your feet to breathe.
Nice-to-haves
Once you've invested in the aforementioned equipment, you might also want to buy a few other items which may not necessarily be essential but can help improve your game or maximise your enjoyment of the game. These include bowling towels, bowling gloves, wrist support, bowling ball cleaners and polishes.
Aside from investing in bowling equipment, consider visiting a bowling club near you.